As the farm-to-table movement continues to grow, the master gardeners trained by the University of Illinois Extension have been busy getting their hands dirty in Lake County.

More than 100 local people have earned the master gardener title, which requires 60 hours of training and 60 hours of volunteer work. The educational program costs $295 and is offered by the University of Illinois Extension Office in Grayslake.

"The really big movement is in community gardening and developing gardens for food pantries," said Kim Isaacson, horticulture program coordinator and manager of the local master gardener course.

"We give you the research so you can make an educated decision," she said, explaining that the master gardeners turn their expertise into a resource for aspiring green thumbs.

Last year, the master gardeners volunteered 7,875 hours to answer thousands of questions at various libraries, farmers markets and festivals, including the Lake County Fair.

"And we have more venues this year," Isaacson said.

In Waukegan, the army of volunteer gardeners has assisted at the Holy Family Food Pantry and the Roberti Community House. Others have helped at The Chapel on Route 60 in Grayslake.

"They have a large, half-acre garden and they (harvested) 51 pounds of strawberries from their garden. Last week, they got 25 pounds," Isaacson said of The Chapel's gardening effort. That bounty will be distributed through a food pantry.

By Frank Abderholden/Lake County News-Sun

Carolyn Raymond (left) and Mary Rice, both of Gurnee, use technical manuals to help find out what type of plant or bug a gardener has brought in for identification.

Carolyn Raymond (left) and Mary Rice, both of Gurnee, use technical manuals to help find out what type of plant or bug a gardener has brought in for identification. (By Frank Abderholden/Lake County News-Sun)

Master gardeners were out in force last week, hosting a question-and-answer event at Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee.

"I think it was educational for me," she said of the master gardener's advice. "When you Google it, you're not sure of the (planting zones). I think this is a great idea for the library."

Others asked about ways to deal with bugs that are attacking plants. The answer, according to the master gardeners, depends on the type of bug.

Both Price and Carolyn Raymond of Gurnee recommend people bring in a sample of the plant or bug they have questions about.

Robert Wick, a master gardener from Libertyville, said he's had success treating bugs with Sevin, an insecticide he said breaks down very quickly.

"But make sure you know what bug it is," Raymond added.

Price went on to express pride in the amount of horticultural wisdom that was provided. It's all about sustainability and healthy living, she said.

"This way we have control of what we put in our own food," Price said.

According to program leaders, another reason people become master gardeners is because they run out of space in their own gardens. They can keep their passion going by helping others while tending to community gardens across Lake County.

The local interest in horticulture was also on display at the master gardeners' plant sale, which Price said was the group's biggest and most successful yet.

"People want something healthy to eat or they want their landscaping to look pretty," she said.

The master gardeners' help line, 847-223-8627, takes calls from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, between April and October. Questions can also be answered in person at 100 S. Route 45 in Grayslake.

Anyone interested in becoming a master gardener can sign up for 2016 sessions by calling 847-223-8627.